Mary Henry (Independent)

It would be better if we maintained openness and transparency rather than pulling down the shutters.

What is the Minister of State doing about the rights of children? I have been getting fan mail asking me to suggest he change the attitude in his amendment regarding removal of the phrase "the rights of children". Apparently, this will now be amended to read "the rights of human beings". The rights of women were enhanced by our entry into the European Union while we are signatories to the European Convention on the Rights of the Child. Why would we want to remove any phrase to do with the rights of the child? I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's explanation.